Male Fertility and Cancer

When Lance Armstrong got the diagnosis for cancer, he did the right thing: He went to a sperm bank and made several deposits of his sperm. Thanks to cryopreserving his sperm before his cancer treatment, he has 3 children today.

What to do when diagnosed with cancer?

Many men who get a cancer diagnosis are mostly concerned with starting cancer treatment right away and don’t consider preserving their fertility. Even though men might not think about having children at the time of their cancer diagnosis, it is important to discuss risks to become infertile and examine your options prior to cancer treatment. At Fertility Center of California, we work together with you and your oncologist to preserve your reproductive health. Our staff is trained and experienced to care for all of our patients with the utmost respect and compassion. We provide our services nationwide and all over the world. Read more about our cryopreservation services and the cost for sperm cryopreservation at our lab.

What types of cancer affect male fertility?

Any cancer that disturbs the process of spermatogenesis (the process to produce sperm) in a man affects his fertility. Undergoing treatment for cancer such as radiation, chemotherapy or surgery carries the risk of temporary or permanent male infertility.

Testicular Cancer

The most common type of cancer causing male infertility is testicular cancer. One common type of testicular cancer is seminoma, the germinoma of the testis. Most cases of testicular cancer in adult males are diagnosed when a nodule or swelling in the scrotum is discovered.

Prostate Cancer

This cancer develops in the prostate gland, which is located in the male’s scrotum. Cancer treatment is based on how advanced the tumor is and may include surgery, radiation therapy and hormonal treatment.

Lymphoma and Hodgkin’s

This is a group of cancers that affect the lymphatic system in charge of the body’s immune system. Abnormal cells in the lymphatic system multiply and form a cell mass or tumor. Hodgkin’s disease or Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that develops from a specific abnormal B lymphocyte. Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer type in the US. Lymphoma symptoms are swelling in the neck, underneath arms or groin area, where lymph nodes are located.

Leukemia

This cancer of the blood is treated with radiation therapy, which may adversely affect male fertility.

Childhood cancer

Prepubertal boys undergoing chemotherapy due to cancer may have problems producing a pregnancy as adults. In the case of pre-puberty cancer patients, testicular tissue cryopreservation it the only option.

How is male fertility affected by cancer?

Depending on how far the cancer progressed, cancer itself can be the cause for low sperm count and problems having children. When cancer is diagnosed in an early stage, cancer treatment in form of radiation and chemotherapy may affect male reproductive health either temporarily or permanently. Studies shows that cancer and/or cancer treatment has an adverse genetic affect on sperm up to 2 years post cancer treatment causing pregnancy loss, still birth and birth defects.

Can I restore Male Fertility after cancer?

It is impossible to predict if cancer and cancer treatment only temporarily or permanently affects a man’s fertility. Chances of restoring male fertility after cancer depends on the kind of cancer, how early cancer was found, the man’s age and treatment approach. The best way is to preserve fertility by freezing sperm prior to cancer treatment.

Contact us today for more information about preserving your fertility.

Additional Resources

Fertile Hope
Fertility Center of California is proud to be an active member of this non-profit organization. We participate in their fertility preservation programs for cancer patients.
www.fertilehope.org

American Cancer Society (ACS)
With over 3,400 offices nationwide, this non-profit organization provides valuable support in local communities.
www.cancer.org